Works underway on new Naas school footpath

WORK on the construction of a new footpath close to the two boys’ schools in Naas will be completed by the first week in December.

WORK on the construction of a new footpath close to the two boys’ schools in Naas will be completed by the first week in December.

A new section of footpath is being provided at Friary Road- Fairgreen Street which provides a link between the path outside the school and further up towards the town.

Local councillors have repeatedly expressed concern about the threat to children walking along the road to and from both schools – but especially the secondary school.

Naas CBS principal Noel Merrick has criticised the failure to provide a complete footpath, pointing out that upwards of 1,300 pupils go to and from both schools each day and many are forced to share the roadway with passing vehicles.

Up to now there was no footpath on either side of the road.

St. Corban’s primary school principal John Drewitt said that while the area is well policed by the school warden there are obvious dangers when some 500 pupils leave the school at 3 o’clock every afternoon.

The issue was highlighted 15 months ago when Mr. Merrick raised his concerns with local Fine Gael TD Tony Lawlor.

“Nobody should have to put up with this in this day and age and the safety risk applies to other pedestrians who have to use the road,” Mr. Merrick said at the time.

Much of the reason for the delay rests with the failed Naas Shopping Centre development. Plans for this included road widening in the area.

But, with no sign of the centre opening, Naas Town Council proceeded with the footpath.

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